Sheet product dispensing unit and a cartridge therefore

ABSTRACT

A dispensing apparatus combination includes a sheet product dispensing unit and a cartridge configured to support sheet product, the cartridge being so dimensioned and configured such that it can be located in operable communication with the dispensing unit. The cartridge includes a dispensing opening, and the dispensing unit includes an entry opening and a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening of the cartridge is disposed proximate the entry opening of the dispensing unit when the cartridge is located in operable communication with the dispensing unit such that sheet product is able to pass from the cartridge through the dispensing opening of the cartridge, through the entry opening of the dispensing unit, and through the dispensing opening of the dispensing unit, under a control of the dispensing unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/376,055, filed Aug. 23, 2010, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a sheet product dispenser,and more particularly to a combination sheet product dispensing unit anda cartridge therefore, where the cartridge holds the sheet product to bedispensed via the dispensing unit.

Sheet product dispensers typically include a housing having an interiorvolume suitably sized for receiving the operational components of thedispenser along with the sheet product to be dispensed, such as papertowel dispensers and toilet paper towel dispensers for commercialapplications, for example. Some of these sheet product dispensers areelectronically controlled and electrically driven so as to providetouchless, hygienic operation. Such dispensers tend to be large, but arewell suited for commercial applications where relatively largequantities of sheet product are consumed. However, such dispensers maynot be as well suited for other applications requiring hygienicdispensing where limited space is available for the dispensingapparatus. As such, there remains a need in the art for sheet productdispensers that provide hygienic dispensing in areas having limitedspace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing apparatuscombination that includes a sheet product dispensing unit and acartridge configured to support sheet product, the cartridge being sodimensioned and configured such that it can be located in operablecommunication with the dispensing unit. The cartridge includes adispensing opening, and the dispensing unit includes an entry openingand a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening of the cartridge isdisposed proximate the entry opening of the dispensing unit when thecartridge is located in operable communication with the dispensing unitsuch that sheet product is able to pass from the cartridge through thedispensing opening of the cartridge, through the entry opening of thedispensing unit, and through the dispensing opening of the dispensingunit, under a control of the dispensing unit.

An embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing apparatus fordispensing sheet product from a cartridge. The dispensing apparatushaving a dispensing unit that includes a receiving port so configuredand dimensioned as to receive at least a portion of a cartridgeconfigured to support sheet product to be dispensed, an entry openingdisposed for receiving sheet product from the cartridge, and adispensing opening disposed for dispensing sheet product from thedispensing unit. The dispensing unit further includes a drive mechanismand a sensor disposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism,the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispense signal from thesensor to dispense sheet product.

An embodiment of the invention includes a cartridge for a sheet productdispenser. The cartridge includes an enclosure having a removablesection that defines a dispensing opening, and a rejection featuredisposed and configured for communicating with a verification featureassociated with a sheet product dispenser. Sheet product is disposedwithin the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through thedispensing opening subsequent to removal of the removable section. Therejection and verification features comprise complementary passiverejection and verification features, complementary active rejection andverification features, or a combination of complementary passive andactive rejection and verification features.

An embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing apparatuscombination having an electronic dispensing unit and a separablecartridge. The dispensing unit includes a housing, a motor disposedwithin the housing, a drive roller in operable communication with themotor, a pinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuationmechanism disposed in operable communication with the motor tofacilitate actuation of the motor, and a dispensing opening disposedproximate the drive roller and the pinch roller, the dispensing unitfurther comprising a verification feature. The cartridge includes: anenclosure comprising a removable section that defines a dispensingopening, and a rejection feature disposed and configured forcommunicating with the verification feature of the electronic dispensingunit; and, sheet product disposed within the enclosure in such a manneras to be dispensable through the dispensing opening subsequent toremoval of the removable section. The cartridge is so dimensioned andconfigured as to be engageable with a mating feature of the dispensingunit. The sheet product is configured to be dispensable from thecartridge via the dispensing unit through the dispensing opening. Atleast a portion of the cartridge is disposed outside of the housing ofthe dispensing unit.

An embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing apparatus having anelectronic dispensing unit and a separable cartridge. The dispensingunit includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, a driveroller in operable communication with the motor, a pinch roller disposedproximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanism disposed in operablecommunication with the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and adispensing opening disposed proximate the drive roller and the pinchroller. The cartridge includes: an enclosure comprising a removablesection that defines a dispensing opening; and, sheet product disposedwithin the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through thedispensing opening subsequent to removal of the removable section. Thecartridge is so dimensioned and configured as to be engageable with thedispensing unit. The sheet product is configured to be dispensable fromthe cartridge via the dispensing unit through the dispensing opening. Atleast a portion of the cartridge is disposed outside of the housing ofthe dispensing unit.

An embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing apparatus fordispensing sheet product from a cartridge. The apparatus includes anelectronic dispensing unit having a housing, a motor disposed within thehousing, a drive roller in operable communication with the motor, apinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanismdisposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitateactuation of the motor, and a dispensing opening disposed proximate thedrive roller and the pinch roller. The housing includes a receiving portso configured and dimensioned as to receive at least a portion of thecartridge in which the sheet product is disposed, the drive roller andpinch roller being disposed to dispense the sheet product from thecartridge through the dispensing opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and notlimiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a top-loaded dispensing apparatuscombination in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, thecombination including a dispensing unit and a cartridge containing sheetproduct to be dispensed;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 1A, with some hidden features depicted in dashedlines;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a top-loaded dispensing apparatuscombination alternative to that depicted in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 2A, with some hidden features depicted in dashedlines;

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of a front-loaded dispensing apparatuscombination alternative to that depicted in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a left side section view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 3A with the cartridge installed;

FIG. 3C is a left side section view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 3A with the cartridge partially installed;

FIG. 4A is a front isometric view of a top-loaded dispensing apparatuscombination alternative to that depicted in FIG. 1A, including a frontdisplay panel;

FIG. 4B is a left side section view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 4A with the cartridge installed;

FIG. 4C another front isometric view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 4A with a messaging insert placed behind the frontdisplay panel;

FIG. 5A is a front plan view of a bottom-loaded dispensing apparatuscombination alternative to that depicted in FIG. 1A, showing sectionlines for FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5B is a left side section view of the dispensing apparatuscombination of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side plan view of a stack of interfolded sheet product witha u-fold configuration;

FIG. 6B is a side plan view of a stack of interfolded sheet product witha z-fold configuration;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustration of dispensing unit components ofthe dispensing apparatus combination of any one of FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4Aand 5A;

FIG. 8 is a logic flow block diagram illustration of the dispensingapparatus combination of any one of FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A;

FIG. 9 is a front-left-side perspective view of a portion of adispensing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front-right-side perspective view of the dispensing unitportion of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the field of view for a proximitysensor showing an area of high probability for triggering the proximitysensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded assembly view of a drive motor assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a bottom-left-side perspective view of a cartridge, for atop-loaded arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14 is a similar view to that of FIG. 13 with an end panel of thecartridge enclosure not shown to show a stack of u-folded sheet productdisposed therein;

FIG. 15 is a similar view to that of FIG. 13 with an end panel of thecartridge enclosure not shown to show a roll of sheet product disposedtherein, and showing section lines for FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 16 is a section view of FIG. 15 illustrating inwardly extendingprotrusions of a first type for pivotally supporting the roll of sheetproduct;

FIG. 17 is an alternative section view to that of FIG. 16 illustratinginwardly extending protrusions of a second type for pivotally supportingthe roll of sheet product, and showing viewing lines for FIG. 18;

FIG. 18 is a partial side plan view illustrating the cut lines and scorelines in the enclosure of the cartridge for forming the pivotal supportsdepicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front plan view of a cartridge having deformable sectionsdisposed in a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 20 is a front plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 19 having thedeformable sections disposed in a second position, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a partial top-down perspective view of a dispensing unit, acartridge, and rejection/verification features, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial top-down perspective view of a dispensing unit, acartridge, and alternative rejection/verification features, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a partial top-down perspective view of a dispensing unit, acartridge, and further alternative rejection/verification features, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24A is a partial block diagram schematic of a dispensing unit, a“to be installed” cartridge, and a non-actuated enable switch, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 24B is a partial block diagram schematic of the dispensing unit,the cartridge, and the enable switch of FIG. 24A, with the cartridgeinstalled and the enable switch actuated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed generally to a reusableautomatic paper towel dispensing apparatus that utilizes a disposablecartridge configured to support paper towels to be dispensed. Thedispensing apparatus includes a dispensing unit that includes an entryopening for receiving paper towels from the disposable cartridge, and adispensing opening for dispensing the paper towels to a user. Thedisposable cartridge includes a dispensing opening to facilitatetransfer of the paper towels from the cartridge to the dispensing unitvia the entry opening of the dispensing unit. When the cartridge isoperably associated with the dispensing unit, the dispensing opening ofthe cartridge is disposed in operable communication with the entryopening of the dispensing unit so that a paper towel can travel from thecartridge into the dispensing unit. Once the cartridge is empty of papertowels, the cartridge can be separated from the dispensing unit andsubstituted with a replacement cartridge. The empty cartridge can bedisposed thereafter.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A and 5B illustratealternative embodiments of a dispensing apparatus 10 that includes incombination an electronic dispensing unit 20 and a separable cartridge25 configured to support sheet product 26 that is dispensable through adispensing opening 32 of the dispensing unit 20. FIGS. 1A and B, andFIGS. 2A and B, depict similar top-load cartridge arrangements, whereFIGS. 1A and B are illustrative of a more slimline design. FIGS. 3A, Band C, depict a front-load cartridge arrangement. FIG. 3A also depictsthe cartridge 25 having a window 30 strategically disposed, such as on avisible front surface of the cartridge 25 for example, so that theremaining amount of sheet product 26 associated with the cartridge isvisible to a user. In an embodiment, the window 30 is covered with asuitable material to permit viewing therethrough, such as a clearplastic film for example, while keeping the sheet product within thecartridge clean. FIGS. 4A, B and C, depict an alternative top-loadcartridge arrangement having an integrally arranged front display panel150 suitable for holding messages 155 between the panel 150 and a frontcover 22 of the dispensing unit 20. In an embodiment, the front displaypanel 150 is a clear panel that allows for customized messages, such as:general hand washing tips, preventative measures to the spread of Fluvirus, notification that “Employees Must Wash Hands”, and the like.FIGS. 5A and B, depict a bottom-load arrangement, suitable for placementunder a cabinet hanging on a wall above a countertop, for example. Withconsideration to the foregoing illustrations, embodiments of theinvention include arrangements where the cartridge 25 is engageable withthe dispensing unit 20 at the top, the bottom, or the front of thedispensing unit 20, where each of the cartridges 25 in each arrangementfit securely with the dispensing unit 20, which may include fitting thecartridge 25 into a cavity 28 of the dispensing unit 20, for example, ormay include fitting the cartridge 25 with the dispensing unit 20 viabrackets, posts, or any other means suitable for a purpose disclosedherein.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A and5B, at least a portion of the cartridge 25 is disposed outside of thedispensing unit 20.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A, the dispensing unit 20is not limited to the height of the cartridge 25 that it receives, it isonly limited to the length and depth of the cartridge that fits into thecavity 28. Thus, dispensing unit 20 can receive cartridges of differentsizes, where the length and depth of the cartridges remain constant, butthe height varies to provide for different quantities of sheet product26, standard and super-sized for example.

In an embodiment, the dispensing unit 20 is attachable to a supportstructure, such as a wall for example, using any hardware suitable forthe purposes, or using a no-drill, pull-and-stick adhesive strip, forexample. In another embodiment, the dispensing unit 20 is attachable toa steel panel (or a panel made from any ferromagnetic material) using apermanent magnet securely attached to the engaging surface of thedispensing unit 20.

The term “sheet product” as used herein is inclusive of natural and/orsynthetic cloth or paper sheets. Sheet product may include both wovenand non-woven articles. There are a wide variety of nonwoven processes,and they can be either wetlaid or drylaid. Some examples includehydroentagled (sometimes called spunlace), DRC (double re-creped),airlaid, spunbond, carded, paper towel, and meltblown sheet products.Further, sheet product may contain fibrous cellulosic materials that maybe derived from natural sources, such as wood pulp fibers, as well asother fibrous material characterized by having hydroxyl groups attachedto the polymer backbone. These include glass fibers and synthetic fibersmodified with hydroxyl groups. Examples of sheet product include, butare not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues, rolls, towels or otherfibrous, film, polymer, or filamentary products.

In general sheet products are thin in comparison to their length andbreadth and exhibit a relatively flat planar configuration and areflexible to permit folding, rolling, stacking, and the like. In anembodiment, the sheet product 26 is in the form of a roll and may haveperforations extending in lines across its width to separate individualsheets and facilitate separation or tearing of individual sheets fromthe roll at discrete intervals. Individual sheets may be sized asdesired to accommodate the many uses of the sheet products. For example,perforation lines may be formed every 13 inches to define a universallysized sheet. Multiple perforation lines may be provided to allow theuser to select the size of sheet depending on the particular need. In analternative embodiment, the sheet product 26 is in the form of aplurality of discrete sheets that are stacked in such a manner relativeto one another so as to be dispensable through the dispensing opening 32of the dispensing unit 20 one after the other in succession. The stackedplurality of discrete sheets may be non-interfolded sheets, or may beinterfolded u-fold sheets or a u-folded bundle, interfolded z-foldsheets or a z-folded bundle, or arranged in any other engagingrelationship that provides for one at a time dispensing one after theother in succession (best seen by referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B,respectively). In an embodiment where the sheet product 26 isinterfolded, it may be fully interfolded, or offset and not fullyinterfolded. As used herein, the term “fully interfolded” means that theend of a first sheet is disposed substantially adjacent to the innerfold of an adjacent next-in-line interfolded sheet (as seen in FIGS. 6Aand 6B for example), and the term “offset and not fully interfolded”means that the end of a first sheet is not disposed substantiallyadjacent to the inner fold of an adjacent next-in-line interfolded sheetbut instead has a gap therebetween, which is contemplated to reducefrictional drag to ease with sheet product dispensing.

While embodiments are disclosed herein utilizing a sheet product beinginclusive of natural and/or synthetic cloth or paper sheets, it will beappreciated that the scope of the invention is not so limited, and thatthe invention also encompasses other sheet materials, such as aluminumfoil and plastic wrap for example, where the plastic wrap includes, butis not limited to, such materials as, low density polyethylene (LDPE),and polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), for example.

In an embodiment, and with reference generally to FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 15,an embodiment of the dispensing unit 20 includes a cavity 28(alternatively herein referred to as a receiving port) that providesroom for receiving or nesting the cartridge 25 therein, and a frontcover 22 that is disposed on and supported by a back plate 24. When acartridge 25 is operably associated with a dispensing unit 20, sheetproduct 26 from the cartridge 25 is operably disposed so that it canpass out through a dispensing opening 21 of the cartridge 25 and into anentry opening 23 of the dispensing unit 20, ready for dispensing out ofthe dispensing opening 32 of the dispensing unit 20 for use by a user.In an embodiment, drive and pinch rollers 126, 124 associated with adispensing mechanism 40 of the dispensing unit 20 are disposed in closeenough proximity to the entry opening 23 of the dispensing unit 20 sothat sheet product 26 from the cartridge 25 is easily received by a nip125 formed between the drive and pinch rollers 126, 124 duringinstallation of a cartridge 25 into a dispensing unit 20. In anembodiment, a user positions the lead edge of a first sheet of sheetproduct 26 into the entry opening 23 of the dispensing unit 20 so thatit is easily captivated by the nip 125 ready for dispensing. In anembodiment, the front cover 22 is formed from any suitable material,such as a plastic, that is cost effective and suitable for a purposedisclosed herein. In an embodiment, the front cover 22 is opaque,translucent or tinted. If the front cover 22 is translucent, it mayprovide advantages in allowing maintenance personnel and/or users toquickly determine the quantity of sheet product 26 remaining in acartridge 25 having a window 30.

In an embodiment, the dispensing unit 20 includes one or morelight-emitting-diodes (LEDs) 34 to provide a visual indication as to thestatus of the dispensing unit. An embodiment may also include anactuation mechanism in the form of a proximity sensor 36 positionedproximate the front cover 22 near the dispensing opening 32 tofacilitate dispensing of the sheet product 26 in a touchless manner. Inanother embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be provided in the formof a manual pushbutton 37, or a tear bar sensor 57. In an embodimentemploying a proximity sensor 36, the proximity sensor 36 may be aninfrared sensor, a capacitive sensor, or any other sensor suitable for apurpose disclosed herein that is capable of sensing the presence of auser's hand in front of the dispensing unit 20 and sending adispense-demand signal to a dispensing mechanism (to be discussedfurther below). In an embodiment employing a manual pushbutton 37 usedin place of a touchless proximity sensor 36, the manual pushbutton 37provides a dispense-demand signal to the dispensing mechanism 40 via amain controller 38 in a manner similar to that of the proximity sensor36. In an embodiment employing a tear bar sensor 57, which is configuredand disposed to sense a dispensing action via movement of a tear bar 75in a tear bar assembly 76, a next in line sheet product to be dispensedis automatically advanced in a “hang mode” fashion, which is discussedfurther below. Accordingly, reference herein to a proximity sensor 36 isalso intended to encompass dispensing via a manual pushbutton, atouch-button, or the like, or a tear bar sensor used in conjunction withhang mode dispensing.

An example schematic representation of operable components of thedispensing unit 20 is shown in FIG. 7. It should be appreciated that theillustration in FIG. 7 is for purposes of description and that therelative size and placement of the respective components may differ. Thedispensing unit 20 includes a main controller 38. As will be describedin more detail herein, the main controller 38 provides logic and controlfunctionality used during operation of the dispensing unit 20.Alternatively, the functionality of the main controller 38 may bedistributed to several controllers that each provides a portion of thefunctionality of a main controller to discrete portions of the operationof dispensing unit 20. In an embodiment, the main controller 38 iscoupled to a dispensing mechanism 40 to dispense a sheet product 26 whenactivated by a user when the dispensing apparatus 10 is operating in “ondemand mode”, or when activated by a tear bar sensor when the dispensingapparatus 10 is operating in “hang mode”. A motor 42 and an optionaltransmission assembly 44 drives the dispensing mechanism 40. In anembodiment, the combination of the motor 42, optional transmissionassembly 44, and dispensing mechanism 40, is alternatively referred toas a drive mechanism 39. The optional transmission assembly 44, such asa gearbox for example, adapts the rotational output of the motor 42,which is operably coupled to the proximity sensor 36, manual pushbutton37, or tear bar sensor 57, via the main controller 38, for thedispensing of the sheet product 26.

In an embodiment, the electrical energy for operating the dispensingunit 20 is provided by a battery 46, which may be comprised of one ormore batteries arranged in series or in parallel to provide the desiredenergy. In an embodiment, the battery 46 includes four 1.5-volt “D” cellbatteries. The battery 46 is connected to the main controller 38 via anoptional power converter 48 that adapts the electrical output of thebattery 46 to that desired for operating the dispensing unit 20. Theoptional power converter 48 may also accept an input from an externalpower source 50, such as an alternating current (“AC”) power source or asolar power source, or any other alternative power source as may beappropriate for a particular application. The AC power source 50 may beany conventional power source, such as a 120V, 60 Hz wall outlet forexample.

The main controller 38 is a suitable electronic device capable ofaccepting data and instructions, executing the instructions to processthe data, and presenting the results. As suggested above, the maincontroller 38 may accept instructions through a user interface, orthrough other means such as but not limited to a proximity sensor, amanual pushbutton, a tear bar sensor, voice activation means,manually-operable selection and control means, radiated wavelength andelectronic or electrical transfer, for example. Therefore, maincontroller 38 can be, but is not limited to a microprocessor,microcomputer, a minicomputer, an optical computer, a board computer, acomplex instruction set computer, an ASIC (application specificintegrated circuit), a reduced instruction set computer, an analogcomputer, a digital computer, a molecular computer, a quantum computer,a cellular computer, a solid-state computer, a single-board computer, abuffered computer, a computer network, a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a hybrid of any of theforegoing.

Main controller 38 is capable of converting the analog voltage orcurrent level provided by sensors, such as proximity sensor 36 forexample, into a digital signal indicative of a user placing their handin front of the dispensing unit 20. Alternatively, proximity sensor 36may be configured to provide a digital signal to main controller 38, oran analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 52 maybe coupled between proximitysensor 36 and main controller 38 to convert the analog signal providedby proximity sensor 36 into a digital signal for processing by maincontroller 38. Main controller 38 uses the digital signals as input tovarious processes for controlling the dispensing unit 20. The digitalsignals represent one or more dispensing unit data including but notlimited to proximity sensor activation, manual pushbutton activation,verification feature activation, enable switch activation, cartridgeempty notification, motor current, motor back electromotive force, orbattery level, for example. It should be appreciated that in someembodiments, the main controller 38 may be arranged to also include oneor more direct analog inputs to receive one or more analog signalsinstead of or in addition to digital signals.

Main controller 38 is operably coupled with one or more operationalcomponents of dispensing unit 20 by data transmission media 54. Datatransmission media 54 includes, but is not limited to, solid-corewiring, twisted pair wiring, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable. Datatransmission media 54 also includes, but is not limited to, wireless,radio and infrared signal transmission systems. Main controller 38 isconfigured to provide operating signals to the operational componentsand to receive data from the operational components via datatransmission media 54. Main controller 38 communicates over the datatransmission media 54 using a computer communications protocol such asInter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI),System Management Bus (SMBus), Transmission Control Protocol/InternetProtocol (TCP/IP), RS-232, RS-485, ModBus, or any other communicationsprotocol suitable for a purpose disclosed herein.

As will be described in more detail herein, main controller 38 acceptsdata from sensors and other devices, such as a proximity sensor 36, amanual pushbutton 37, a sheet product sensor 56, a tear bar sensor 57, averification feature 305, and an enable switch 320, for example, andprovides operational control signals to devices such as LED's 34, andmotor 42 for example. Main controller 38 is also given certaininstructions from an executable instruction set for the purpose ofcomparing the data from sheet product sensorthe aforementioned sensorsand devices to predetermined operational parameters. Main controller 38provides operational control signals to motor 42 that activates adispensing action of sheet product 26.

In an embodiment, main controller 38 includes a processor 62 coupled toa random access memory (RAM) device 64, a non-volatile memory (NVM)device 66, and a read-only memory (ROM) device 68. Main controller 38may optionally be connected to one or more input/output (I/O)controllers or data interface devices (not shown). NVM device 66 is anyform of non-volatile memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ReadOnly Memory) chip, an EEROM (Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory), aflash memory chip, a disk drive, or the like. Stored in NVM device 66are various operational parameters for the application code. It shouldbe recognized that application code could be stored in NVM device 66rather than ROM device 68.

Main controller 38 includes operation control methods embodied inapplication code. These methods are embodied in computer instructionswritten to be executed by processor 62, typically in the form ofsoftware. The software can be encoded in any language, including, butnot limited to, machine language, assembly language, VHDL (VerilogHardware Description Language), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed IC HardwareDescription Language), Fortran (formula translation), C, C++, VisualC++, Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC (beginners all-purposesymbolic instruction code), visual BASIC, ActiveX, HTML (HyperTextMarkup Language), and any combination or derivative of at least one ofthe foregoing. Additionally, an operator can use an existing softwareapplication such as a spreadsheet or database and correlate variouscells with the variables enumerated in the algorithms. Furthermore, thesoftware can be independent of other software or dependent upon othersoftware, such as in the form of integrated software.

As previously discussed, an embodiment of the dispensing mechanism 40 isconfigured and arranged to receive sheet product 26 from cartridge 25. Auser of dispensing apparatus 10 manually fills/refills the dispensingunit 20 with a cartridge 25 containing sheet product 26, extracts aleading end of the sheet product 26 through the dispensing opening 21 ofthe cartridge 25 and positions the leading end of sheet product 26within the entry opening 23 within the cavity 28 of the dispensing unit20 and towards a roller assembly 74 that includes a pair of rollers, adrive roller 126 and a pinch roller 124, that pull the sheet productwhen activated by motor 42. In an embodiment, the leading edge of sheetproduct 26 includes a leader tab 19 to facilitate manual feeding of anew sheet product in a new cartridge between drive roller 126 and pinchroller 124. In an embodiment, a tear bar assembly 76 is positionedadjacent the dispensing opening 32 to provide a means for separating thedispensed sheet product 26 from a roll of sheet product when the sheetproduct is in the form of a roll. In an embodiment employing aninterfolded sheet product 26, the drive roller 126 and pinch roller 124may be biased toward each other in such a manner as to deter theinterfold of the sheet product from dispensing the next-in-line sheet.Such biasing may be achieved by a spring, for example (not shown).

A sheet product sensor 56 is positioned adjacent to the roller assembly74. As will be described in more detail herein, the sheet product sensor56 provides a signal to the main controller 38 that indicates whethersheet product is still being dispensed from cartridge 25. Thearrangement of providing a sheet product sensor 56 to monitor thedispensing of sheet product 26 provides advantages in that it enablesthe dispensing unit 20 to use all, or almost all of the sheet product incartridge 25 before signaling to a user that the cartridge 25 is emptyand needs replacing. It should be appreciated that while the sheetproduct sensor 56 may be described herein as being positioned on thein-feed side of the rollers in roller assembly 74, the sheet productsensor 56 may alternatively be positioned on the out-feed side of therollers as well.

In an embodiment, the sheet product sensor 56 may also be used by maincontroller 38 to control the amount of sheet product 26 being dispensed,especially when the sheet product 26 is in the form of a roll. That is,sheet product sensor 56 can be utilized to provide“length-of-sheet-dispensed” information in real time to main controller38, thereby enabling main controller 38 to stop the dispensing cycle asdesired. In an embodiment, the length of sheet dispensed is adjustablevia an adjustment switch (not shown but conveniently placed on thedispensing unit 20 and in signal communication with the main controller38). While an embodiment is discussed herein employing a sheet productsensor 56 for dispensing a controlled length of sheet product 26, itwill be appreciated that other control means may be employed foraccomplishing a same result, such as for example, using the maincontroller 38 to control the run-time of the motor 42, using a “holdtime” of the manual pushbutton 37 to interpret a long hold time as ademand for a longer length of sheet product, or using the verificationfeature to determine an appropriate length of sheet product to dispensedepending upon the type of sheet product associated with the cartridge25.

In an embodiment where the sheet product 26 is provided in the form of aroll, and after the roller assembly 74 pulls the sheet product from thecartridge 25, the sheet product 26 proceeds to tear bar assembly 76,which is positioned adjacent the dispensing opening 32. A means forcutting the sheet product 26 is included in tear bar assembly 76 oncethe appropriate amount of sheet product 26 has been dispensed.Typically, this is accomplished using a serrated edge tear bar 75 thatcuts into the sheet when the user pulls the dispensed sheet product 26.The portion of the sheet product 26 separated from the roll may then beused and discarded as necessary by the user.

In an embodiment where the sheet product 26 is provided in the form of aplurality of discrete sheets interfolded together or otherwise arrangedto dispense one after the other in succession (see FIGS. 6A and 6B, forexample), it is not necessary for dispensing mechanism 40 of dispensingunit 20 to have a tear bar assembly 76. In such an embodiment, and afterthe roller assembly 74 pulls the next-to-be-dispensed sheet product fromthe cartridge 25, main controller 38 stops motor 42 after the dispensingaction is complete, thereby leaving the leading edge of the next-in-linesheet of sheet product 26 between the rollers 124, 126 of rollerassembly 74 for a next dispensing action. In an embodiment operating ina “hang mode”, the leading edge of the next-in-line sheet of sheetproduct 26 is left protruding through the dispensing opening 32, whichprovides the user with a visual indication that sheet product isavailable for use. In another embodiment operating in a “hang mode”, anentire sheet of the next-in-line sheet of sheet product 26 is presentedat the dispensing opening 32. When operating in an “on demand mode”, theleading edge of the next-in-line sheet of sheet product 26 is typicallyhidden from view, which provides the user with some assurance that thenext-in-line sheet product is untouched and ready for use.

While FIGS. 6A and 6B depict alternative arrangements of a plurality ofdiscrete sheets interfolded together, and other embodiments aredescribed herein utilizing a roll of sheet product, it will beappreciated that any other arrangement of sheet product suitable fordispensing from the cartridge 25 via the dispensing unit 20 may also beemployed, and is considered within the scope of the invention. Such analternative arrangement of sheet product may include, but is not limitedto, a continuous z-fold of sheet product, for example. In an embodimentutilizing a roll of sheet product or a continuous z-fold of sheetproduct, a tear bar assembly 76 may be included to facilitate separationof individual sheets. In an embodiment utilizing a plurality of discretesheets interfolded together, the tear bar assembly 76 may be omitted.

The operation of the dispensing unit 20 may be thought of as a series ofdispensing cycles 78 as shown in FIG. 8. Upon receipt of a dispenserequest from one of the aforementioned sensors or control devices(time=t0), a signal is transmitted from the respective sensor or controldevice to the main controller 38 (time=t1). The main controller 38executes instructions in response to the signal and executes one or moreroutines to activate the motor 42 (time=t2). The motor 42 in turnrotates one of the rollers in roller assembly 74 (time=t3). The rotationof the roller causes the sheet product 26 to be pulled from thecartridge 25 until the desired amount of sheet product 26 has beendispensed 79 from the dispensing unit 20 (time=t3). As discussed above,sheet product sensor 56, or any other device disclosed herein forcontrolling the sheet dispense length, may be utilized to control theamount of sheet product 26 dispensed. When the sheet product 26 isprovided in the form of a roll, the sheet product 26 is separated fromthe roll of sheet product via tear bar assembly 76.

During the dispensing cycle, it is possible that the sheet product 26contained in the cartridge 25 will be expended or otherwise depleted. Asdiscussed above, a sheet product sensor 56 may be arranged to detect thepresence of the sheet product 26, and may be disposed at either thein-feed or out-feed portion of the roller assembly 74. Once the sheetproduct 26 from cartridge 25 is not detected by the sheet product sensor56, the main controller 38 activates one of LEDs 34 to signal an emptycartridge 25, and the dispensing unit 20 enters into a hold-mode until anew cartridge 25 is placed in the receiving cavity 28 of dispensing unit20. In view of some embodiments of the dispensing unit 20 disclosedherein having other sensors and/or switches, such as a verificationfeature 305 or an enable switch 320, for example, it will be appreciatedthat LED's 34 could be utilized and activated to signal otherconditions, such as insertion of a non-authorized product that wouldresult in a product-verification-failure-signal from the verificationfeature 305, or an absence of a cartridge 25 in cavity 28 that wouldresult in a product-absent-signal from the enable switch 320, forexample. Additionally, it is contemplated that the sheet product sensor56 could also be used to sense a misfed or jammed sheet product, inwhich case the sheet product sensor 56 would provide a signal to themain controller 38 to facilitate activation of more than one LED 34, orone LED 34 in a pulsed manner.

A portion 27 of an example dispensing unit 20 is shown in FIGS. 9-11. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the dispensing unit portion 27includes a chassis 82 that is configured to couple to the backplate 24,and is configured to be covered by the front cover 22. In an embodiment,the combination of the backplate 24, front cover 22, and chassis 82define a housing 160 of the dispensing unit 20. However, andnotwithstanding the foregoing description, it is also considered withinthe scope of the invention to consider the cartridge 25 as being part ofthe housing 160, which for purposes of discussion herein is described asthe dispensing apparatus 10. The chassis 82 supports the roller assembly74, which is positioned within the chassis 82 between the proximitysensor 36 and a battery housing 92. The battery housing 92 is configuredto hold batteries 46, such as but not limited to D-cell batteries forexample. As discussed above, the roller assembly 74 delivers the sheetproduct 26 from the cartridge 25 to the dispensing opening 32 to makethe sheet product 26 available to the user. The dispensing unit portion27 also includes a drive motor assembly 45, which includes motor 42(hidden from view in FIG. 9) that is coupled to drive the drive roller126 of roller assembly 74.

In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 36, or any other sensor oractivation device described herein, initiates the operation of thedispensing unit 20. Alternatively, in the embodiments operating in a“hang mode”, the operation can be initiated by the actuation of the tearbar sensor 57 via the tear bar 75, when utilized. In an embodiment, theproximity sensor 36 is integrated with the main controller 38. The maincontroller 38 is between a front shroud 98 and the roller assembly 74.In an embodiment the proximity sensor 36 includes an optical emitter 100and a receiver 102 covered by a lens 103 (the lens being depicted in anexploded assembly fashion in FIG. 10), where the lens 103 issubstantially flush with the front shroud 98. The emitter 100 andreceiver 102 are spaced apart on the main controller 38 and oriented onan angle relative to the front of the sheet product dispenser 20. Theemitter 100 transmits an optical signal, such as an infrared light forexample, in a beam that extends outward on an angle 104 forming anemitter cone 108, shown in FIG. 11. Similarly, the receiver 102 isresponsive to signals received from a direction that extends outward onan angle 106 forming a receiver cone 110. In an embodiment theoverlapping of the emitter cone 108 and the receiver cone 110 creates afour-sided polyhedron shaped area 112 that represents an area where auser may place their hands to activate the dispensing unit 20. It shouldbe noted that the above-mentioned polyhedron represents the area of highprobability for triggering the dispenser. Areas outside the polyhedronshaped area 112, but still with the area of one of the cones 108, 110,may still result in triggering the dispenser, however, these areas maybe less reliable or less consistent than the area 112. While anembodiment is described and illustrated employing an optical sensor 100,102, it will be appreciated that any other sensor suitable for a purposedisclosed herein may be alternatively used, such as a capacitive sensorfor example. While an embodiment is described and illustrated employinga four-sided polyhedron shaped area to define a sensing zone, it will beappreciated that any shaped sensing zone suitable for a purposedisclosed herein may be employed, such as a zone having a boundarysimply defined by a sensitivity of a particular sensor for example.

It should be appreciated that the position of the area 112 will affectthe functioning and the user experience with the dispensing unit 20. Thearea 112 needs to be large enough to allow the user an easy operation ofthe dispensing unit 20 without having the farthest distance “D” of thearea 112 extend too far from the dispensing unit 20. While a large areais desirable, if the distance “D” becomes too large, someone passing bymay accidentally dispense the sheet product 26. Further, the larger thearea 112, the more quiescent power the proximity sensor 36 will use,decreasing battery life. In an embodiment, the emitter 100 and thereceiver 102 are spaced a distance “W” of 3 inches (7.62 cm) apart, withthe angles 104, 106 of cones 108, 110, respectively, each being from 10to 80 degrees. This creates a polyhedron area 112 having a maximumdistance “D” of 3 inches. The advantage of this arrangement is that itcreates an area 112 that is large, reliable and convenient enough forthe user while keeping the quiescent power requirements at less than orequal to 25% of the annual battery usage.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an example drive motor assembly 45 will bedescribed, with the understanding that such a drive motor assembly 45 ismerely an example assembly and that other drive systems suitable for apurpose disclosed herein may be substituted for the example drive motorassembly 45 herein described. As discussed above, when a proximitysensor 36 is employed (see FIG. 1) and the user activates the proximitysensor 36, a signal is transmitted to the main controller 38 (see FIGS.3 and 7), which activates the drive motor assembly 45 (see FIG. 9) todispense the sheet product 26. The drive motor assembly 45 includes amotor 42 coupled to the chassis 82 by a flange 116. An isolator 118 isarranged between the motor 42 and chassis 82. In an embodiment theisolator 118 is a rubber based polymer that provides damping to preventtransmission of vibrations from the motor 42 into the chassis 82 and thefront cover 22 (see FIG. 1). However, it will be appreciated that theisolator 118 is not limited to a rubber based polymer, and mayalternatively be made of any other material suitable for a purposedisclosed herein. The motor 42 includes a shaft 120 that extends throughan opening 121 in the chassis 82. A pulley 122 is mounted to the shaft120. In the illustrated embodiment, the pulley 122 includes teeth sizedto receive a toothed belt 138.

The roller assembly 74 (see FIG. 7) includes a pinch roller 124 and adrive roller 126. Each of the rollers 124, 126 are rotatably coupled toa side plate 128, 130 that in turn mounts to the chassis 82. The driveroller 126 rotates about a shaft 132. A pulley 134 is mounted to the endof the shaft 132 adjacent the motor 42. The pulley 134 is secured to theshaft 132 by a drive flange 136.

The belt 138 couples the pulleys 122, 134. In the illustratedembodiment, the belt 138 is a toothed belt. The teeth on the belt 138have a size and pitch suitable to engage the teeth on the pulleys 122,134. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt 138 is made from a suitablematerial, including but not limited to: Neoprene, polyurethane, rubber,and urethane, reinforced with materials including but not limited to:polyaramid, glass, metallic fibers, other polymers fibers, or otherreinforcing fibers. The combination of the belt 138 and the isolator 118provides advantages over the prior art systems that use direct geararrangement between the motor 42 and the drive roller 126. While gearsystems provide a greater efficiency in the transfer of energy from themotor 42 to the drive roller 126, backlash and vibration in such anarrangement can create an undesirable noise, which is transferred intothe dispensing unit 20 and vibrates front cover 22 for example, whichacts as a sound amplifier. By using an isolator 118 and a belt 138, thetransfer of vibrations from the motor 42 is minimized, resulting inlittle or no sound emissions from the dispensing unit 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, an example cartridge 25 for use in thedispensing unit 20 (also herein referred to as an electronic sheetproduct dispenser) is depicted. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.13, the cartridge 25 includes an enclosure 200 formed from any materialsuitable for the purposes disclosed herein, such as a paper material ora plastic material for example, but in an embodiment being formed fromfolded cardboard having strategically placed bend lines and perforationlines, with a removable section 205 formed by perforation lines 210 thatdefines a dispensing opening 215 in the enclosure 200 when the removablesection 205 is removed. FIG. 14 depicts the cartridge 25 of FIG. 13 withan end wall 220 not shown to expose sheet product 26 disposed within theenclosure 200, where the sheet product 26 is formed in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 6A and discussed above. FIG. 15 depicts thecartridge of FIG. 13 with an end wall 220 not shown to expose sheetproduct 26 disposed within the enclosure 200, where the sheet product 26is formed into a roll 225 having two pivots 230 (only one pivot beingdepicted, the other pivot being hidden from view on the opposing end ofthe roll 225). While a z-folded sheet product 26 in the form depicted inFIG. 6B, or a continuous z-fold sheet product discussed above, are notspecifically illustrated, it will be appreciated that such z-foldedsheet product (stack or continuous) could replace the stack of u-foldedsheet product 26 depicted in FIG. 17. Thus, FIG. 17 should be understoodto also depict z-folded sheet product (stack or continuous).

Referring now to FIGS. 16-17, two alternative embodiments are depictedto more specifically illustrate the pivot arrangement for the roll 225of sheet product 26. In general, the illustrations of FIGS. 16-17respectively depict inwardly extending protrusions 240, 250 on opposingends of the enclosure 200 that define pivot surfaces upon which thepivots 230 of the roll 225 are disposed, where the roll 225 typicallyincludes a cardboard core, but may also be coreless. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 16, the inwardly extending protrusions 240 arecylindrically shaped trunnions formed from any material suitable for thepurposes disclosed herein, such as molded plastic for example. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the inwardly extending protrusions250 are formed from inwardly displaced portions of the opposing endwalls 220 of enclosure 200, which may be formed as depicted in FIG. 18(a partial end view of one end wall 220) as a hexagonal pattern of cutlines 255 arranged within a circular pattern of perforated bend lines260, where the hexagonal pattern of cut portions are then bent inwards.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the opposing end walls 220 areformed from cardboard.

While FIG. 18 depicts a certain pattern of bend and cut lines forminghexagonal “pizza slice” sections that form the aforementioned pivotsurfaces for roll 225, it will be appreciated that the scope of theinvention is not limited to just this certain pattern, but ratherencompasses any pattern of bend and cut lines, any pivot meansarrangement that involves deformation of the end wall of the enclosure200, or the addition of any pivot support means inside the enclosure200, which would be suitable for the purposes disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-20 in combination with FIGS. 5A and 5B, afront plan view of an enclosure 200 of cartridge 25 is depicted having adeformable section 265 arranged in a first position (FIG. 19), and in asecond position (FIG. 20). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-20,the deformable section 265 is formed from cardboard having sufficientrigidity such that when placed in the second position it is suitable forsupporting the cartridge 25 (enclosure 200 and sheet product 26contained therein) against the influence of gravity when the cartridge25 is engaged with the dispensing unit 20 via support rails 270 (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B), and the combination (dispensing apparatus 10) isplaced underneath a support structure, such as underneath a cabinet thatis supported above a kitchen counter, for example. When arranged in thefirst position (FIG. 19), the cartridge 25 with deformable section 265is well suited for packaging, storing, and transporting.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, 24A and 24B, the cartridge 25, and aportion of the dispensing unit 20 (in a top-load cartridge arrangement)with receiving cavity 28, are depicted prior to installation of thecartridge 25 into the receiving cavity 28 (FIG. 24A depicts anarrangement prior to installation, while FIG. 24B depicts an arrangementafter installation).

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, the enclosure 200 of cartridge 25has a rejection feature 280 disposed and configured for communicatingwith a verification feature 290 on the dispensing unit 20, and in anembodiment depicted in FIG. 22, the enclosure 200 of cartridge 25 has arejection feature 285 disposed and configured for communicating with averification feature 295 on the dispensing unit 20, where eachrespective rejection and verification feature prevents or at leastdeters use of an unauthorized cartridge 25.

In an embodiment, the rejection feature 280 is an indentation, void orrecess disposed on the enclosure 200 (depicted in FIG. 21 as a hole inthe bottom of the enclosure 200), and the verification feature 290 ispost or projection disposed on the floor of the cavity 28 of thedispensing unit 20. The post (referred to using reference numeral 290)has a shape complementary to that of the hole (referred to usingreference numeral 280), where the two are aligned such that installationof an authorized cartridge 25 into the cavity 28 of dispensing unit 20will permit proper alignment of the dispensing opening 21 of thecartridge 25 with the entry opening 23 of the dispensing unit 20 forproper dispensing of the sheet product 26 from the cartridge 25.

In another embodiment, the rejection feature 285 is a projectiondisposed on the enclosure 200 (depicted in FIG. 22 as a half-cylinderprojection on the end wall of the enclosure 200), and the verificationfeature 295 is a half-cylinder recess in an end wall of the cavity 28 ofthe dispensing unit 20. The half-cylinder projection (referred to usingreference numeral 285) has a shape complementary to that of thehalf-cylinder recess (referred to using reference numeral 295), wherethe two are aligned such that installation of an authorized cartridge 25into the cavity 28 of dispensing unit 20 will permit proper alignment ofthe dispensing opening 21 of the cartridge 25 with the entry opening 23of the dispensing unit 20 for proper dispensing of the sheet product 26from the cartridge 25. In an embodiment consistent with the featuresdepicted in FIG. 22, proper verification of an authorized cartridge 25would further require use of an enable switch 320 (discussed furtherbelow), or the like, having a switch arm 325 disposed in the recess 295,which would fail to be actuated in the event of an unauthorizedcartridge absent the projection 285 being inserted into the cavity 28.

While certain geometries of rejection features 280, 285 and verificationfeatures 290,295 are depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22, it will be appreciatedthat the scope of the invention is not so limited, but ratherencompasses any geometry of rejection/verification features suitable forthe purposes disclosed herein. Such geometric rejection/verificationfeatures are collectively herein referred to as passiverejection/verification features.

While embodiments of the invention are described and illustratedemploying an electronic sheet product dispenser 20, it will beappreciated that certain features, such as the cartridge and dispenserunit employing mechanical rejection and verification features asdisclosed herein would be equally applicable to non-electronic sheetproduct dispensers configured in a manner suitable for a purposedisclosed herein. As such, non-electronic sheet product dispenserssuitable for a purpose disclosed herein are also contemplated andconsidered within the scope of an invention disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, and with reference now to FIG. 23 (in combinationwith FIG. 7), the rejection feature 300 is provided in the form of anRFID tag disposed on the enclosure 200, an IR reflective surfacedisposed on the enclosure 200, a machine-identifiable marking disposedon the enclosure 200, a magnetic region disposed on the enclosure 200, amachine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure 200,a phosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure 200, a starch markerdisposed on the enclosure 200, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure 200,or a conductive strip, metallic or graphite for example, disposed on theenclosure 200. The verification feature 305 is complementary to therespective rejection feature so as to verify that an authorizedcartridge 25 having the respective rejection feature is installed in thedispensing unit 20. As used herein, the term complementary refers tofeatures that are complements of each other, that is, a verificationfeature would complement an associated rejection feature in a mechanicalsense, an electrical sense, a magnetic sense, an electromagnetic sense,an optical sense, a signal communication sense, a communication protocolsense, or in any other manner suitable for a purpose disclosed hereinwhere the verification feature is able to verify that an authorizedcartridge is installed having the proper rejection feature designed tobe associated with the respective verification feature. For example,where the rejection feature 300 is an RFID tag, the verification feature305 is in the form of an RFID tag reader, where the rejection feature300 is an IR reflective surface, the verification feature 305 is an IRsensor, where the rejection feature 300 is a machine-identifiablemarking, the verification feature 305 is a marking sensor/reader, wherethe rejection feature 300 is a magnetic region, the verification feature305 is a magnetic sensor/reader, where the rejection feature 300 is amachine-optically-recognizable character, the verification feature 305is a character sensor/reader, where the rejection feature 300 is aphosphoresce region, the verification feature 305 is a phosphorescesensor/reader, where the rejection feature 300 is a starch marker, theverification feature 305 is a starch sensor/reader, where the rejectionfeature 300 is an IC chip, the verification feature 305 is an IC chipsensor/reader, where the rejection feature 300 is a conductive strip onthe enclosure 200, the verification feature 305 is a continuitymeasurement device, and where the rejection feature 302 is a conductivestrip on a roll (core or coreless) 225, the verification feature 305 isa continuity measurement device. As depicted in FIG. 7, the verificationfeature 305 is in signal communication with the main controller 38,thereby providing for verification of an authorized cartridge to bedetermined electronically via executable program instructions. In theevent such a verification effort fails thereby indicating installationof an unauthorized cartridge, the main controller 38 could be programmedto prevent dispensing of sheet product. Such signal-communication-typerejection/verification features are collectively herein referred to asactive rejection/verification features.

It is contemplated that an embodiment utilizing a conductive strip as aform of a rejection feature may use, for example, a graphite impregnatedstrip or an aluminum foil strip that could be wound in the first fewwraps of a roll of sheet product (see 302 in FIGS. 16 and 17), whichcould be core or coreless, as the rejection feature, and use acontinuity measurement device (also herein referred to by referencenumeral 305) as the verification feature.

While certain rejection features 280, 285, 300 have been described inrelation to corresponding complementary verification features 290, 295,305, it will be appreciated that more than one set of rejection andverification features may be employed in the same dispensing apparatus10. Accordingly, the scope of the invention also encompasses anycombination of the foregoing rejection features in the form of anindentation, a projection, an RFID tag, an IR reflective surface, amachine-identifiable marking, a magnetic region, amachine-optically-recognizable character, a phosphoresce region, astarch marker, and an IC chip, being used together with appropriatecomplementary verification features in the same dispensing apparatus 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B (in combination with FIG. 7), anembodiment is disclosed that utilizes shutters that serve to cover thecavity 28 when a cartridge 25 is not coupled to the dispensing unit 20.Here, the cartridge 25, and a portion of the dispensing unit 20 (in atop-load cartridge arrangement) with receiving cavity 28, are depictedprior to installation of the cartridge 25 into the receiving cavity 28(FIG. 24A), and after installation of the cartridge 25 into thereceiving cavity 28 (FIG. 24B). Prior to installation of the cartridge25 into the receiving cavity 28, shutters 310 are hinged 315 at upperedges of opposing side walls of the receiving cavity 28 and biased so asto close off the receiving cavity 28 when no cartridge 25 is installed.An enable switch 320 is disposed within the chassis 82, with a switcharm 325 that extends into the receiving cavity 28. Upon installation ofthe cartridge 25 into the receiving cavity 28 (see FIG. 24B), theshutters 310 are caused to pivot downward with sufficient displacementso as to interact with the switch arm 325 causing actuation of theenable switch 320. Referring to FIG. 7, enable switch 320 is in signalcommunication with the main controller 38, which provides fornotification of an enable signal to inform main controller 38 that acartridge 25 is in place ready for dispensing sheet product 26. In turn,main controller 38 enables all necessary dispensing functions of thedispensing unit 20 via executable program instructions. Absent an enablesignal from enable switch 320 (that is, there is no cartridge 25installed), dispensing unit 20 will not operate. Enable switch 320 isany switch suitable for the purposes disclosed herein, and may be but isnot limited to a micro switch, a reed switch, a lever-actuated switch, aplunger-actuated switch, a magnetically-actuated switch, or the like.

In another embodiment, the shutters 310 are not employed, and thecartridge 25 itself interacts with the switch arm 325 causing actuationof the enable switch 320 during installation of the cartridge 25 intothe receiving cavity 28.

While embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described inrelation to a top-load cartridge arrangement where the cartridge 25loads into the top of the dispensing unit 20, it will be appreciatedfrom FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, that front and bottom load cartridgearrangements are also considered within the scope of the invention. Andwhile not specifically illustrated, it will also be appreciated thatside-load cartridge arrangements are also contemplated and consideredwithin the scope of the invention. With such front, bottom and side loadarrangements, it is understood that one skilled in the art will be wellinformed from the disclosure herein to be able to appropriatelyrearrange the components of the dispensing unit 20 relative to therespective cartridge 25, without undue experimentation, so as to providefor proper dispensing of sheet product 26, thereby enabling one skilledin the art to make and use any embodiment disclosed herein.

While certain combinations of features have been described herein, itwill be appreciated that these certain combinations are for illustrationpurposes only and that any combination of any of the disclosed featuresmay be employed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Anyand all such combinations are contemplated herein and are consideredwithin the scope of the invention disclosed.

Some embodiments disclosed herein may provide one or more of thefollowing advantages: hands free hygienic dispensing of sheet productfrom a conveniently located compact dispensing apparatus; an exposedcartridge that can be color coordinated with interior décor; hang modeor on-demand mode operation; a dispensing unit that can receivecartridges of different sizes, where the length and depth of thecartridges are constant, but the height varies to provide for differentquantities of sheet product (standard and super-sized for example); ameans for visually seeing the amount of sheet product remaining in acartridge; a means for displaying messages on the dispensing unit; and,means for deterring use of an unauthorized cartridge.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims. Also, in the drawings and thedescription, there have been disclosed example embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they areunless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore notbeing so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, front,rear, top, bottom etc. do not denote any orientation, order orimportance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used todistinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the termsa, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotethe presence of at least one of the referenced item.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing apparatus combination, comprising: asheet product dispensing unit; and a cartridge configured to supportsheet product; the cartridge being so dimensioned and configured suchthat it can be located in operable communication with the dispensingunit; the cartridge comprising a dispensing opening; the dispensing unitcomprising an entry opening and a dispensing opening; the dispensingopening of the cartridge being disposed proximate the entry opening ofthe dispensing unit when the cartridge is located in operablecommunication with the dispensing unit such that sheet product is ableto pass from the cartridge through the dispensing opening of thecartridge, through the entry opening of the dispensing unit, and throughthe dispensing opening of the dispensing unit, under a control of thedispensing unit.
 2. The dispensing apparatus combination of claim 1,wherein: the cartridge is separable from the dispensing unit; thedispensing unit further comprises a housing, a motor disposed within thehousing, a drive roller in operable communication with the motor, apinch roller disposed proximate the drive roller, an actuation mechanismdisposed in operable communication with the motor to facilitateactuation of the motor, and wherein the dispensing opening is disposedproximate the drive roller and the pinch roller; the cartridge furthercomprises an enclosure comprising a removable section that defines thedispensing opening of the cartridge, and sheet product being disposedwithin the enclosure in such a manner as to be dispensable through thedispensing opening of the cartridge subsequent to removal of theremovable section; and at least a portion of the cartridge is disposedoutside of the housing of the dispensing unit.
 3. The apparatuscombination of claim 1, wherein: the dispensing unit further comprises adrive mechanism and a sensor disposed in signal communication with thedrive mechanism, the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispensesignal from the sensor to dispense sheet product.
 4. The apparatuscombination of claim 1, wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheetproduct, a plurality of interfolded sheet product leaves, or acontinuous z-fold sheet.
 5. The apparatus combination of claim 2,wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a proximity sensor, a manualpushbutton, or tear bar sensor.
 6. The apparatus combination of claim 1,wherein: the dispensing unit further comprises a verification feature;and the cartridge further comprises a rejection feature disposed andconfigured for operably communicating with the verification feature. 7.The apparatus combination of claim 3, wherein the dispensing unitcomprises an enable switch, the cartridge engaging with the enableswitch when engaged with the dispensing unit, the enable switch beingdisposed in signal communication with the drive mechanism to enabledispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge.
 8. The apparatuscombination of claim 6, wherein: the rejection feature comprises anindentation disposed on the enclosure, a projection disposed on theenclosure, an RFID tag disposed on the enclosure, an IR reflectivesurface disposed on the enclosure, a machine-identifiable markingdisposed on the enclosure, a magnetic region disposed on the enclosure,a machine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure, aphosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure, a starch marker disposedon the enclosure, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure, a conductivestrip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on thesheet product, or any combination of the foregoing indentation,projection, RFID tag, IR reflective surface, machine-identifiablemarking, magnetic region, machine-optically-recognizable character,phosphoresce region, starch marker, IC chip, and conductive strip; andthe verification feature is complementary to the respective rejectionfeature so as to verify that an authorized cartridge having therespective rejection feature is installed in the dispensing unit.
 9. Adispensing apparatus for dispensing sheet product from a cartridge,comprising: a dispensing unit comprising a receiving port so configuredand dimensioned as to receive at least a portion of a cartridgeconfigured to support sheet product to be dispensed, an entry openingdisposed for receiving sheet product from the cartridge, and adispensing opening disposed for dispensing sheet product from thedispensing unit; the dispensing unit further comprising a drivemechanism and a sensor disposed in signal communication with the drivemechanism, the drive mechanism being responsive to a dispense signalfrom the sensor to dispense sheet product.
 10. The dispensing apparatusof claim 9, wherein: the dispensing unit further comprises a housing, amotor disposed within the housing, a drive roller in operablecommunication with the motor, a pinch roller disposed proximate thedrive roller, an actuation mechanism disposed in operable communicationwith the motor to facilitate actuation of the motor, and wherein thedispensing opening is disposed proximate the drive roller and the pinchroller; the drive roller and the pinch roller being disposed tofacilitate dispensing of the sheet product from the cartridge throughthe dispensing opening.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the drivemechanism is responsive to a dispense signal from the sensor to dispensesheet product from the cartridge on demand, the sensor being responsiveto a user causing the sensor to generate the dispense signal in anon-demand-mode manner.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sheetproduct is a roll of sheet product, a plurality of interfolded sheetproduct leaves, or a continuous z-fold sheet.
 13. The apparatus of claim9, wherein the dispensing unit further comprises an enable switchdisposed to be actuated by the cartridge when the cartridge is disposedin operable communication with the receiving port of the dispensingunit, the enable switch being disposed in signal communication with thedrive mechanism to enable dispensing of the sheet product from thecartridge.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cartridge includesa rejection feature, and further wherein: the dispensing unit furthercomprises a controller disposed in operable communication with the motorto facilitate actuation of the motor, and a verification featuredisposed in operable communication with the receiving port and thecontroller, the verification feature being disposed and configured toverify presence of the rejection feature of the cartridge, and tocommunicate such verification to the controller, such verification beingverification that an authorized cartridge having a complementaryrejection feature is installed in the dispensing unit.
 15. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a proximitysensor, a manual pushbutton, or a tear bar sensor.
 16. A cartridge for asheet product dispenser, the cartridge comprising: an enclosurecomprising a removable section that defines a dispensing opening, and arejection feature disposed and configured for communicating with averification feature associated with a sheet product dispenser; andsheet product disposed within the enclosure in such a manner as to bedispensable through the dispensing opening subsequent to removal of theremovable section; wherein the rejection and verification featurescomprise complementary passive rejection and verification features,complementary active rejection and verification features, or acombination of complementary passive and active rejection andverification features.
 17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein: therejection feature comprises an indentation, void or recess disposed onthe enclosure, a projection disposed on the enclosure, an RFID tagdisposed on the enclosure, an IR reflective surface disposed on theenclosure, a machine-identifiable marking disposed on the enclosure, amagnetic region disposed on the enclosure, amachine-optically-recognizable character disposed on the enclosure, aphosphoresce region disposed on the enclosure, a starch marker disposedon the enclosure, an IC chip disposed on the enclosure, a conductivestrip disposed on the enclosure, a conductive strip disposed on thesheet product, or any combination of the foregoing indentation,projection, RFID tag, IR reflective surface, machine-identifiablemarking, magnetic region, machine-optically-recognizable character,phosphoresce region, starch marker, IC chip, and conductive strip. 18.The cartridge of claim 16, further comprising: inwardly extendingprotrusions on opposing ends of the enclosure that define pivots,wherein the sheet product is a roll of sheet product pivotally disposedupon the inwardly extending protrusions.
 19. The cartridge of claim 18,wherein the inwardly extending protrusions are cylindrically shapedtrunnions.
 20. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the inwardly extendingprotrusions are formed from inwardly displaced portions of the opposingends of the enclosure.
 21. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the sheetproduct is a plurality of discrete sheets disposed in such a mannerrelative to one another so as to be dispensable through the dispensingopening one after the other in succession.
 22. The cartridge of claim21, wherein the discrete sheets are interfolded u-fold sheets orinterfolded z-fold sheets.
 23. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein theenclosure comprises at least one deformable section that is movable froma first position suitable for packaging, storing and transporting, to asecond position suitable for engagement with the sheet productdispenser, wherein the enclosure, with the at least one deformablesection disposed in the second position, is engageable with the sheetproduct dispenser such that the at least one deformable section supportsthe enclosure against the influence of gravity when the sheet productdispenser is located underneath a support structure.